SAFTAs respond to Generations' intended withdrawal

The South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA) Committee earlier this week announced that it has received with great disappointment the intended withdrawal of Generations from the SAFTAs. The primary objective of the SAFTAs is to honour, celebrate and promote the creativity, quality and excellence of the talent within the industry.

28 Nov 2008

Stated SAFTA chairman Eddie Mbalo,“What is most shocking is the sentiment expressed by Mr [Mfundi] Vundla about the integrity of the awards when he has never raised the issues he highlighted with the committee, which is made up of all representative organisations within the production industry.

Continued Mbalo, “It is very unfortunate that what seems to be a dispute between the SABC and Generations producers has culminated into this unfortunate situation that ultimately disadvantages the talent and crew who work very hard to make Generations what it is.

“I believe these actors and crew are being denied the opportunity to be acknowledged by their peers, an honour that is critical in the development of their skill and for their livelihood.”

According to the press statement, the SAFTA Committee does not believe there is merit in questioning the integrity of the judging process, “when all 52 judges in different categories are active professionals in the industry and the judging process is overseen by two independent eminent persons, who command respect of the majority in the industry”. The judging process is further overseen and audited by one of the world respected audit firms, Price Waterhouse Coopers.

The Safta Committee has stated that it would be happy to engage with the producers and still hopes that this matter could be resolved in the interest of everyone involved.

For more: